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17:06 GMT
WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (KUNA) -- The US released its 2016 International Religious Freedom report on Tuesday which most significantly highlighted the so-called Islamic State's "brutal treatment of religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East."
The annual report is sent to Congress to provide an overview of the status of religious freedom in 200 countries and territories.
"ISIS has and continues to target members of multiple religions and ethnicities for rape, kidnapping, enslavement, and death," said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
"ISIS is clearly responsible for genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims in areas it controlled."
The report also targeted IS for its "crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing" against minority religious groups and also Sunni Muslims and Kurds.
"We are firmly committed to advancing the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The release of this report gives voice to all those worldwide seeking to live their lives peacefully in accordance with their conscience," Tillerson affirmed. (end)
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